Job Title:
HR Manager
Start Date:
October 2022
Alison is the HR Manager at Taylor and Fraser, a role she is passionate about for many reasons. She was happy to explain why she loves what she does, how the company has supported her personal growth, and her excitement about what lies ahead.
What was your starting role at Taylor and Fraser?
I started as Payroll Administrator and just over three years later, with the support of Taylor and Fraser, I progressed to my current role as HR Manager. To enable and assist me in taking on the role, I have greatly benefited from the LEAP Programme (Learning, Educational, Assistance Policy) that is in place within the company. Through this, I am currently enrolled in Extended Learning, where I’m studying for a CIPD Level 5 People Management Diploma. This is an undergraduate course delivered online. To facilitate this, Taylor and Fraser have set aside one day per week for my studies.
Can you give us a brief description of your current role?
Right now, recruitment takes up a significant portion of my time. The company is undergoing a period of growth, so I’ve had to recruit around 15 new people over the last 3-4 months. I’m also still involved with the company’s Payroll, and I’m currently training a new Payroll Administrator to take on the role I had previously.
Currently, we’re also updating our Company Handbook and Policies, so I have significant input on that. I am also developing the Staff Initiative Planner, which determines the industry-related and charitable causes we support throughout the coming year.
The work is varied, and I’m kept busy every day.
What aspects of your role do you particularly like?
I enjoy the interaction with the people. For example, with so much recruitment going on, I’m currently involved in the onboarding process, ensuring our new team members feel welcome and quickly understand the culture.
I’m also a strong believer in providing the information each person requires to enable them to do their job, so I actively encourage and assist with internal communication, ensuring the relevant people have the information they need, when they need it.
Do you find the company supportive in terms of personal development?
100% yes. The Suir Engineering impact has been significant; I’ve already mentioned the LEAP Programme, but we also have Cornerstone, the company’s App devoted to personal development. There, we can easily access all manner of learning modules that empower us to do our jobs more effectively. I am particularly impressed with the content specifically designed to support women in construction.
It’s also worth noting that the company doesn’t simply make the tools available; they actively encourage personal development. Indeed, they have policies and targets to ensure a minimum number of people participate in an Extended Learning Programme every year.
What do you like about working with Taylor and Fraser?
Undoubtedly, the ‘family’ feeling. Even though Suir Engineering is a progressive commercial organisation, it has retained its family business culture. So, while they are much more driven, the people are trusted and supported at every level.
What do you do outside of work?
My daughter keeps me fairly busy, having just begun High School, she seems to have some kind of activity every night, so I’m never really off taxi driving duties! Also, my partner has some health issues, so I provide care for him.
Even though I already have a busy work and family life, I still make time for something I’m passionate about, and I find it highly rewarding. I volunteer with the Edward Foundation, a wonderful organisation dedicated to the welfare of Bulldogs and Pugs. I feel strongly about the welfare of these breeds and ensuring they are placed in the proper homes; there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a dog thrive in a new home.
Of course, part of my daily routine includes walking my own dogs, a Bull Dog and a Puggle, which is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle; they remind me daily about the joy a happy dog can bring to a home.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes, this is a new journey for Taylor and Fraser and for me. I’m genuinely excited about the future. Personally, I’d like to see out my career at Taylor and Fraser, and what makes it even better is that my role enables me to start many more people on the same journey.
Alison is certainly passionate about her work. It’s a credit to her that she is performing exceptionally well in her role, while studying for a diploma, caring for her partner, chauffeuring her daughter, volunteering with her chosen charity, and looking after two dogs; it can’t be a walk in the park, but she certainly makes it look that way!
